we're not even aiming for the grand bargain that is necessary to reduce long-term deficits and debt. we weren't that far from a deal two weeks ago. but we are today. we're going to get a patch and be here again in two months. congress can't get out of its own way. we keep setting our own traps. and we can't find a way to reason together. >> john, we appreciate the clarity, even if it's depressing. thank you very much. john avlon. >>> a lot of other news developing overnight. for that, let's check in, as always, with mr. ron claiborne. good morning, sir. >> hi, dan, bianna. mr. avlon, good morning, everyone. we begin in australia, with a confrontation with a shark. it cost a surfer two fingers and a chunk of his leg. the 29-year-old was surrounded by a pod of dolphins when the shark attacked yesterday. >> are you all right? >> yeah, i got my legs. i'm good. >> and witnesses say the man used his surfboard to fight off the shark. but the shark bit off two of his fingers. and sank its teeth into his legs. other surfers came to the man's aid until paramedics arrived. >>> and police in new